RS4 Avant advice needed please

[PaulAlex]

Hello,

I’m currently considering changing my car, and am leaning towards an B7 RS4 Avant. The main other option I’m considering is an E90 M3, with an outside chance of either a Nissan GT-R or HSV/Vauxhall VXR8 with Walkinshaw supercharger/options. Basically, I want a relatively practical car that’s going to keep a smile on my face on a daily basis J

Having look at various classified, I guess I’m going to end up with one with 25k-35k miles, so wondered what (if any) horrors I should be looking to avoid? Are there any known vices with these cars? And how does the servicing intervals pan out? I basically don’t want to spend loads to buy the car, and then be facing massive bills very soon after.

I think I’m right in saying that lots of cars have had DRC recalls/repairs. Is this always done FOC by Audi, or only on cars that reported the problem within their original warranty period? Eg should I only buy a car that’s had the work done?

Speaking of which, do many people purchase aftermarket warranty’s for their RS4’s, or are they so reliable that they don’t bother?

I’ve read about MRC, who are less than an hour away, so guess that my new purchase would end up there for a health check and Milltek potentially. What other mods do owners regularly go for?

Also, I think I understand about some of the trim options/packages, but have noticed some cars for sale recently with colour-coded mirrors – which I prefer. Was this a factory option, or have owners just had them done themselves?

Sorry for all the questions, but it’s a lot of money to be spending, and want to make sure I go into it with my eyes wide open, and get the car that I really want. I’m not looking to purchase until September time, so if any members are considering a change around then, keep me posted! I don’t have any strong preference on colour at the moment, want carbon trim, buckets, optic pack perhaps. Would be interested in mildly modified cars too depending on who did them….

Cheers,

Paul.

[Steve_C]

DRC is FOC if car is <5 yrs old and < 75k miles. Sometimes the dealer states the car must have FASH but this is a grey area.

I haven't got a warranty but Warranty direct seems to be popular with people - £775 pa IIRC.

MRC are the best!

[Revolution]

I bought an Avant last November and never looked back - best car I've ever owned!!

Wait until you find the right one and dont be tempted to pay too much for one - oh and i forgot how many dogs I went to see.

Learning about mine each day (I will read the handbook someday), but the guys on this forum gave me some excellent buying tips

Over to you guys to give a helping hand...........


Good look on your search

[neckarsulm]

Buy Audi Driver this month and next month for a VERY comprehensive buying guide
Next issue is out in around a week or so
Current issue is live until then.
www.autometrix.co.uk to order

[PaulAlex]

Thanks for the advice guys - I'll find Audi Driver asap then...

Cheers,

Paul.

[PaulAlex]

I bought an Avant last November and never looked back - best car I've ever owned!!

Wait until you find the right one and dont be tempted to pay too much for one - oh and i forgot how many dogs I went to see.

Learning about mine each day (I will read the handbook someday), but the guys on this forum gave me some excellent buying tips

Over to you guys to give a helping hand...........


Good look on your search

Thanks for that. When you mention the dogs that you saw, was there anything specific about them, or just cars that clearly hadnt been looked after?

Thanks,

Paul.

[Revolution]

nothing really - just lack of care by previous owner.......sadly mainly at audi dealers too.
I always work on the theory is the car must look amazing before you even go for a test drive.

If it looks ropey just walk!!

Went to one and someone had scratched the nav screen to it didnt work properly - dealer said dont worry we will clean it up for you along with the back bumper scratch and the cracked windscreen....

[ARSEY4]

I currently have a new E90 M3 and previously owned an RS4 saloon from new. I also had an Avant for 24hrs just before Christmas (dont ask!) so if you want an honest opinion on any of them by all means fire away.
Im not an RS4 basher, I absolutley love them so it wont be all pro M3!

[wolfgang]

Check the condition very carefully before you buy - ensure all recalls are taken care of and the DRC is inspected and replaced before purchase. I have a checklist thread in this section somewhere that you can read to see the kinds of things to check prior to collection or even when viewing cars.

Then after purchase take it to MRC for a Milltek, air filter and remap. Then enjoy!

Come service time, use Camberley if you are able to do so.

[neckarsulm]

Come service time, use Camberley if you are able to do so.

or Halesowen Audi if you are north of Watford Gap